Football News Update: Jude Bellingham Fined for Celebration, England Prepares for Euro 2024 Quarter-Final against Switzerland
In the latest football news, Gareth Southgate has said he will not take the emotion out of Jude Bellingham’s game after UEFA punished the midfielder for his lewd celebration against Slovakia. Bellingham was fined €30,000 (£25,400) and given a suspended one-match ban, which will not affect his availability for England’s quarter-final against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 tournament.
The 21-year-old Real Madrid star was found guilty of “violating the basic rules of decent conduct” by UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body after being shown on television kissing his right hand and making a crotch-grabbing action following his spectacular stoppage-time goal that kept England in the Euros. Bellingham claimed it was “an inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game” and not aimed at the Slovakia bench.
“I think it’s a common-sense decision. Clearly it’s an unprecedented moment in someone’s life to score a goal like that in the 96th minute. I don’t know how I’d have reacted if that was me, at his age as well.”
Despite the sanction, Southgate has not felt the need to talk to Bellingham about his discipline, saying: “I think it’s a common-sense decision. Clearly it’s an unprecedented moment in someone’s life to score a goal like that in the 96th minute. I don’t know how I’d have reacted if that was me, at his age as well.”
The England manager also expressed confidence in Bellingham’s ability to handle the spotlight and respond positively to any potential provocation from Switzerland in the quarter-final match. Southgate is expected to make tactical adjustments, with a potential switch to a back three formation and the possible inclusion of Ezri Konsa, Kieran Trippier, and Bukayo Saka.
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw’s return from a hamstring injury is also a topic of discussion, with Southgate confident in the left-back’s progress but wary of his match sharpness.
As England prepares for the crucial quarter-final clash, the team’s attacking form has been a focus, with Harry Kane acknowledging the impact of the playing surfaces in Germany, which he believes have slowed down the game. The England captain is hoping his team can overcome the challenges and secure a place in the semi-finals of the Euro 2024 tournament.
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